Over 50 young professionals gathered at MSU Detroit Center on Monday, February 9th for Public Speaking Confidence with Dale Carnegie. With over 102 years and over seven million trained, Dale Carnegie Training helped Detroit Young Professional Members and Non-Members improve on communication skills. In particular, Carol Kocan, Dale Carnegie Performance Coach, presented a workshop on techniques to speak with confidence, poise, and control. Throughout the 2-hour session, attendees were up and out of their seats, shaking hands, practicing elevator pitches, and learning how to speak with confidence.

Carol Kocan, the main instructor for the evening, spoke after the workshop on the Dale Carnegie concepts: “They seem like simple ideas. However, the simple ideas, in their simplicity, we often dismiss. It’s common knowledge not commonly practiced.” Carol said that the Detroit Young Professionals group was a great group with lots of energy and very eager to put into practice what we were working on. “I just admired their willingness to learn. The energy in the room was neat.”

Vincent Thomas, Facilities Manager at Greektown Casino & Hotel took home a Dale Carnegie book in the business card raffle. “This event showed that you can really get over those fears, definitely when it comes to public speaking and talking to other individuals. The highlight of tonight for me was the elevator speech. You’re in and out of meetings everyday and sometimes you run into vice presidents and directors and you don’t actually have the time to sit down with them. That elevator speech is a good thing to have in your pocket.”

Eric Rhymes, Event Coordinator for the World’s Largest Hustle, said the workshop was great. “It helped me to gain more confidence in public speaking and speaking to people. I think the mind-mapping technique will help me because in certain situations I can get nervous and lose track of the question and answers when I meet someone. With the mind-mapping I have a system that I can use.”

Karissa Holmes, President of Detroit Young Professionals, said, “DYP is really excited to bring the expertise of the Dale Carnegie Training team to our members. Our goal is to make the best professional and personal development resources accessible to our members. The level of engagement in the room was amazing and I know I walked away with several tips to help me improve my public speaking and networking skills”

Next up:

Covenant House provides shelter, educational and vocational programs, as well as other support services, to help area youth overcome hurdles such as homelessness, unemployment, inadequate education, violence, drugs and gangs. Join DYP members for a meet and greet session to get to know the residents, tour the campus, and learn more about volunteer opportunities, Bring a Valentine's card with a suggested $14 to help support Covenant House programs. REGISTER NOW.